The Grand Heritage Tour

Day 1

Arrive Delhi

Upon your arrival in the Indian capital city of New Delhi, you will be greeted by our representative at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. After a warm welcome, you will be escorted to your hotel for 2 nights stay.

Day 2

Day in Delhi

Today, enjoy the day discovering Delhi, pacing through the city which is as historic as modern, like 2 sides of the same coin!

Enjoy a morning sightseeing tour of Old Delhi, which includes a visit to Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India; a rickshaw ride in Chandni Chowk, ‘silver street’, one of the largest trading centres of India; drive past Red Fort, the place that marked the announcement of India’s freedom from the British Raj; visit Raj Ghat, cremation site of Mahatma Gandhi

Later in the afternoon, discover the modern city of New Delhi, which includes a visit to Qutab Minar, a fine example of Indo-Islamic architecture and the worlds tallest minaret; Gurudwara Bangla Sahib, the largest Sikh temple of Delhi, with a gold tomb, still in active worship; Photo stop at India Gate, the war memorial arch built in honour of the soldiers who died in the second world war; drive past President's House, Parliament House and other Government Secretariat Buildings, the most imposing features of Lutyen’s Delhi

Day 3

Delhi to Jaipur [260 Kms/6 Hrs]

After breakfast, embark on a leisurely drive to Jaipur - land of the Rajputs. Jaipur is an exuberance of colour, dance and traditional arts and crafts. Known, as the 'Pink City', Jaipur is home to ancient forts and palaces and is one of India's most well planned cities.

Upon arrival, check in at your hotel and enjoy an afternoon at leisure in Jaipur.

Day 4

Day in Jaipur

This morning, visit the Amber fort, which was built in the 16th century. An elephant ride will help you ascend to this hilltop fort (elephants are subject to availability). Alternatively, you could choose to walk or drive up to the fort.

This afternoon, visit the City Palace complex with its museums and Jantar Mantar, the ancient astronomical observatory, and the Hawa Mahal (Palace of Winds), built in the 18th century. This palace with its innumerable windows and screened balconies was especially built for the royal women to view the city and processions from behind their purdahs.

Later explore the many facets of Jaipuri crafts such as semi precious jewels, pottery, colourful embroidered fabrics with mirror work, woven carpets etc – watch artisans at work and enjoy souvenir shopping in this colourful city of Jaipur.

Day 5

Jaipur to Agra [240 Kms/5.5 Hrs]

After an early breakfast, embark on your drive to Agra, city of the world famous Taj Mahal.

Upon arrival in Agra, check in at your hotel and freshen up. This afternoon, visit the Agra fort, lying across the River Yamuna, built in red sandstone with magnificent palaces, halls of public and private audience and beautiful gardens.

Then, experience the awe-inspiring beauty of the eternal symbol of love, the Taj Mahal. Often referred to as a poem in white marble, Taj Mahal displays the saga of love between Emperor Shah Jahan and Mumtaz Mahal. You may wish to stay at the Taj Mahal, to see the glistening white marble beauty by sunset.

Day 6

Agra to Orchha via Gwalior [250 Kms/5.5 Hrs]

After breakfast, drive to Orchha, a medieval riverside town known for its palaces and temples.

En route to Orchha, make a brief stop at Gwalior, the city of warrior kings, poets, musicians and saints. A historic city, Gwalior is known for its old magnificent fort which houses a number of ruined palaces and interesting temples. The history of Gwalior Fort dates back to over a thousand years. This afternoon, visit Gwalior Fort and then continue drive to Orchha.

Upon arrival in Orchha, check in at your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 7

Orchha to Khajuraho [195 Kms/4.5 Hrs]

After breakfast, enjoy a half day tour of Orchha. In Orchha, we visit ruins of old palaces such as the tiered Jahangir Mahal, the erstwhile palace of Emperor Jahangir, a fine example of medieval Indo Islamic architecture decorated with paintings and frescoes built in 17th century and the Raj Mahal, which features colorful murals and frescoes from the life of Lord Rama and Krishna and incarnations of Lord Vishnu. Also visit popular temples of the region such as Ram Raja temple, Chaturbhuj temple and Lakshmi Narayan temple. You will also see a spread of Bundela Chhatris (Royal Tombs) of erstwhile rulers of Orchha.

Then continue drive to Khajuraho – a UNESCO world heritage site in central India, famous for its erotic sculptured temples. Upon arrival in Khajuraho, check in to your hotel for overnight stay.

Day 8

FLY Khajuraho to Varanasi

This morning visit the enchanting temples of Khajuraho with sculptures that draw their inspiration from the ancient art of Kama sutra. Khajuraho Temples were built by the Chandela kings between 950 AD and 1050 AD.

Later you will be transferred to the airport to catch your flight to Varanasi, the spiritual capital of India (also known as Kashi and Benaras).

Upon arrival in Varanasi, check in to your hotel and enjoy an evening at leisure.

Day 9

Day in Varanasi

Enjoy an early morning boat ride on the Holy River Ganges. See the ‘bathing ghats’ where thousands of pilgrims pay homage to the Sun God by immersing themselves in the holy water of River Ganges, and the ‘burning ghats’ where cremations are conducted.

After breakfast, enjoy a visit to Sarnath, the place where Lord Buddha gave his first sermon. Sarnath was a renowned school of learning from 6th century BC to 12th century AD. The Ashoka pillar of Sarnath is the national emblem of India. Visit the ruins, stupa, Buddhist temple and the Sarnath Museum.

This evening, experience a rickshaw ride to the ghats to enjoy the grand ‘Aarti’ ceremony at Dasaswamedh Ghat, conducted everyday at sunset by white-robed priests. The young priests sway in seemingly choreographed movements, worshiping the river goddess with incense, flowers and earthen lamps.

Day 10

FLY Varanasi to Delhi

After breakfast, transfer to the airport to catch your flight to Delhi. Upon arrival in Delhi, transfer to your connecting flight back home.